TRAFFIC-calming plans are being proposed to slow drivers at a New Forest crossroads which claimed the life of schoolboy Aarron Keeping.

Aarron, 12, died when in collision with a car outside the Crown Inn at Bransgore on September 30 last year.

His untimely death was the spur needed for the parish council to restart its campaign for improvements at the staggered crossroads.

Parish council chairman Ann Hickman said: “Highways has produced a 12-month plan.

“There are plans on the parish noticeboard.

“They are going to be in regular contact with the parish council to see how things are and whether they have to adapt it for any reason.

“It’s taken a long time but we feel very positive and we are pleased they are actually going to do something.”

The scheme suggested includes road-narrowing measures west of the Crown Inn and installing a pedestrian crossing point with tactile surface outside the Crown where Aarron was knocked down.

It is also intended to narrow the splays in Ringwood Road both sides of the crossroads.

Cllr Hickman said a survey carried out by Hampshire County Council’s highways department found that the Cat and Fiddle to Ringwood road was being used as a rat run for through traffic.

By reducing the width of splays, it is hoped not just to slow traffic but also dissuade some motorists from using the route.

“It’s not what a lot of people would like, but they are the experts and we’ve accepted what they’ve suggested,” said Cllr Hickman.

Cllr Clare Lockyer was less happy, wanting to see larger build-outs than those proposed.

“The main issue, which is visibility, has still not been addressed,” she said.

Aarron’s father, Martin Keeping, felt improvements could be made including railings outside the pub, additional pinch points and relocation of the bus shelter.

“It’s okay for a start but I think it needs constant monitoring when it’s implemented,” he said.

And he pointed out: “The speed limit was changed last month [from 40mph to 30mph] and not one of the signs has yet been changed.

“All the holidaymakers are here now and they haven’t got a clue.”

A county spokesman said the 30mph signs would be in place by the end of the month.